Wherever you decide to get your battery from, there will always be a core charge. So bring in your old battery at the time you pick up the new one and you can avoid the core charge, plus you can put the batteries side by side and compare sizes and make sure it has the lip on the bottom and the vent tube connection.

Lots to think about
 

OK thanks for the info everyone.....I will look into it all and decide what to do
Thanks again

If a battery is suspect but not dead, I'll let them keep that $12 to have a spare, conditioned battery on hand. I keep a spare batt for each car.

+1 for AGM batteries if it gets cold where you live. I have an Exide Edge and it's great!

It's a great battery for sure. Here are some funny commercials of the Canadian Tire Ultra AGM battery which is a rebranded Exide Edge. It's funny because it's so absurd, but is does show some of the advantages of AGM technology.

The Log splitter, Deep Freeze, Super Heat, and Drop test

They're a b!tch to make. Darn stuff gets everywhere, itching for days after. I could produce 200 lead acid's per hour, but only 20-50 AGM's in the same time (depending on whether the machinery wanted to cooperate or not).
Man, am I glad that I'll never have to make another battery :D

I put a Bosch AGM in about a year ago and it's been great so far!

Glad someone else gets to make them, and all I have to do is buy and use them :p!

Ugh. I fell prey to the battery gremlins this morning. Alternator tested ok, battery not so much. Got a Duralast H6 AGM @ AutoZone. 5 yr. warranty. Bad news: not giving them away. $164.99

New Battery time
 

I tried to start the Boxster and it was dead, battery wouldn't take a charge. I checked the date and realized I last replaced the battery in November of '09 with a Sears Diehard. Given that I have lived in pretty nice locations (temperature wise) and the car is garaged, I'm really impressed. I do not have a battery tender, just a charger. Sometimes the car sits for months at a time with no use.

That being said, I bought a replacement form Autozone for $161.99. H6-DLG.

Try PepBoys
They have Bosch batteries and often have online discounts
You can order online and pickup or have them install for a few$
Also, get the biggest battery that will fit, IIRC that is a H7

Wal Mart
 

I got mine there almost 3 years ago....no problems so far....BTW there are 3 Lead Acid Automobile Battery manufacturers........folks just put labels on the outside...doesn't really matter where you get one.

Glass Mat Batteries are much better than traditional L/A

Batteries
 

Hello guys - I am new to Boxsters, but I have to pick-up on what some of the guys have said here - why in the world don't you replace a dead battery with a sealed AGM like an Optima? No acid, no fumes, fantastic cranking power. They last forever. What am I missing other than it doesn't say Porsche?

David Preston

Ummm...AGM batteries are lead acid batteries, so they do have acid (not that it matters). The only difference is the absorbent glass mat plate separator material.
FYI, I've never heard of a battery labeled "Porsche", so your remark about that is weird. ;)

Why don't I buy one? Because I used to make them, so am immune to the hype. The price increase weighed against any potential benefits in a standard passenger vehicle don't add up. Not to mention the high rate of defects due to complex manufacturing methods. The return rate for AGM at a certain battery manufacturing plant in St. Joseph is about 7-8 times higher than standard.

That's why I don't buy them. Standard lead acid is good enough for 99%.

Batteries
 

The battery in my car was put in by the PO at a Porsche dealership and it says Porsche on it - not weird - it says Porsche. Maybe AGM is hype - I guess I just don't realize that. All I am saying is that AGMs don't leak acid - no accidental spills, they have a much longer life span, and their cranking power is unquestioned and there is no fumes. They cost maybe $125 and how can that not be a good long term value? Or you can but some $60 battery every two years.

You asked...
 

Every 5 years, not 2. If your battery only lasts 2 years, that's your fault. :p

Yes, it's just a sticker. Porsche doesn't make batteries.
94R AGM is closer to $175-$200 ;)
I'm not trying to dissuade anyone from going with AGM, it's just my personal stance. Of course, it helps that I can go down to the distribution center and get a brand new unlabeled lead acid 94R for $25.

Whatever floats your boat! :D